Thefts from Motor Vehicles

Alert message sent 31/01/2020 18:24:00

Information sent on behalf of Hampshire Constabulary

Please be aware that Police are dealing with a spate of thefts from vehicles that spans Hampshire and other counties. A number of gangs are at work day and night and are targeting vulnerable vehicles. Searches are ongoing to locate these offenders.

Most offences of theft from vehicle are opportunist. If valuable possessions (e.g. handbags, laptops, sat navs, iPods, mobile phones, cameras) are left on show inside a vehicle, it is much more likely to be targeted by thieves. Even items of little value, such as shopping bags and clothing, may tempt a potential thief to break into the vehicle to see whether they contain anything worth stealing.

Typically. thieves will smash windows to gain entry. Sometimes they will break door locks or, on older vehicles, prise the door away from the body of the vehicle.
The following section contains crime prevention and reduction advice for motorists that will assist police and partners to reduce this type of vehicle crime.